US (1980): Musical/Dance/Drama
This early effort by director Alan Parker is lively but jagged as it follows four students through their years in the New York City High School for the Performing Arts. Rather predictably, the kids fall into four clearly defined stereotypes: brazen, gay and hypersensitive, prickly, shy. It makes up for a disjointed presentation with a lot of heart and a great soundtrack (for which it won two Academy Awards). The hopes and disappointments, failures and successes of these teens are fodder for emotional scenes and exuberant dancing in the streets. It also turned out to be the first of many imitators and spawned a popular television series. (It was the breakout film for the short-lived feature film career of Irene Cara, who sang the title song.) (MGM) (Rochelle O'Gorman, Amazon.com)
6 nominations, 2 Awards
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Original Score) 1980: Michael Gore
· Music Best Song 1980: "Fame" Michael Gore - Music, Dean Pitchford - Lyric
· Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1980: Christopher Gore
· Film Editing 1980: Gerry Hambling
· Music Best Song 1980: "Out Here on My Own" Michael Gore - Music, Lesley Gore - Lyric
· Sound 1980: Michael J. Kohut, Aaron Rochin, Jay M. Harding, Chris Newman
